"Who knows exactly where that strawberry-bed lies?
for, if we have to fumble about much, we shall start that dog, and then, it strikes me, from what I have seen and heard of him, we shall be in a predicament." "You may safely bet on that," said one of the boys; "he's a savage fellow." "And a first-rate watch-dog, too," observed another.
"Well," said Charles, "all we have to do is to move so still that you can't hear a leaf rustle; but, if we do rouse the dog, let each one grab a stone and let him have it." "That would only make a bad matter worse," said one.
"I am afraid we shall have more than we bargained for, if we undertake that," remarked another.
"Let the cowards go home, and the rest come with me," said Charles, impatiently.

"Bill," he continued, turning to his right-hand man, "can you act as guide ?" "Yes." "Then, lead on." William led the way out of the woods, across a narrow meadow, where they came to the fence that inclosed Mrs.Nelson's garden.
"Now, boys," he whispered, "keep still as mice; but, if we do start the dog, don't stop to fight him, but run like white-heads." The Rangers climbed over the fence, and followed their guide, who threaded his way through the trees and bushes with a skill worthy of a better cause, and a few moments sufficed to bring them to the strawberry-patch.
"Be careful, boys," said Charles, in a low whisper.

"Don't leave a single plant in the ground." The young scapegraces worked with a will, and, in a few moments, the strawberry-bed--which was Frank's pride, next to his museum, and on which he had expended a great amount of labor--was almost ruined; and so quietly did they proceed in their work of wanton destruction, that Brave, although a very vigilant dog, was not aroused, and the marauders retraced their steps, and reached the woods in safety.
"There," said Charles, at length, "that's what I call doing it up brown.

It almost pays off my debts.

I don't think they will receive much benefit from those strawberries this year." "They have got some nice pears," said one of the Rangers, "and when they get ripe, we must plan another expedition." "That's so," answered Charles.